Combination-lock.



N0. 635,968. Patented Oct. 3|, |899. A. MCKENZIE. COMBINATION LUCK.

(Application led Jan. 24, 1899.)

A'No Model.)

Mwee@ y@ TH: "onlus Eriks no. moroumo.. wumnovou, D. c.:

Patented Oct. 3|, i899.

A.l MCKENZIE. GOMBINATlON LOCK.

(Appxicaeion md Jah. 24, i899.,

2 Sheets-Sheet 2,

INo Model.)

NrrnD vSTATES f PATENT tries.

ANGUS MCKENZIE, OF JAMES'IOWN, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO THE FENTON METALLIC MANUFACTURING COMPANY, OF SAME PLACE.

COMBINATION-LOCK.

SPECIFICATION forming` part of Letters Patent N0. 635,968, dated October 31, 1899. Application filed Januaryi24, 1899. Serial No. 703,285. (No model.)

To @ZZ whom t may concern,.- In the preferred construction the lug engages Be it known that I, ANGUs MOKENZIE, a with a gate or setting-slot in the disk and is resident of Jamestown, in the county of Chaueither formed with or operated by a laterally tauqua and State of New York, have invented moving or sliding frame, through which the 5 a new and useful Improvement in Combinalatch-bolt passes, the sliding frame being untion-Locks, (Case A;) and I do hereby declare der spring-pressure with relation to the lockthe following to be a full, clear, and eXact decase and the latch-bolt being mounted with scription thereof. spring-pressure within the sliding frame, so

Myinvention relates to combination-locks, that after the combination is made and as the 6o 1o and more especially to locks of this class suitsliding frame is withdrawn in opening the able for spring-latches or like purposes, being door it moves the disk with it, so changing especially useful in connection with post-ofthe position of the disk,rand as the sliding tice lock-box doors. One of the principal obframe is released in the closing of the door it jections to the use of such combination-locks moves the disk so as to cause it to rotate on 65 15 for spring-latch purposes, such as for post-ofits supporting-shaft, while if by accident the lice lock-boxes, has been that after the comcombination was not broken in this way in bination was set and the door was opened it closing the door as the latch-bolt is pressed was necessary for the user to positively move back by contact with the striker-plate it will the dials or disks so as to break the combicarry the sliding frame with it and a quick 7o zo nation. Where combination-locks are used movement will be imparted to the disk when with bank-vaults and in like places requiring the bolt springs past its strike-plate, which special care and protection, such action by will certainly cause the disk to rotate and the user is to be expected;v but with post-ofbreak the combination. tice lock-boxes and the ordinary door-locks My invention may be embodiedin numer- 75 25 the user is very liable to forget to break or ous different forms of apparatus, several of change the combination after opening the which are illustrated in the accompanying door and may leave it with the combination drawings, in whichset ready for the opening of the door, so that Figure l is a face View of a post-ofiice lockthe necessary or desired protection is not box embodying the invention. Fig. 2 is an 8o 3o given. enlarged View of the preferred form of lock,

The object of the present invention is to the face of the door and the turning-dial beprovide a lock of this general character in ing removed and the drawing showing two which either the release of the handle withdisks upon one post. Fig. 3 is a like view of drawing the latch or the springing of the latch the same form of lock, showing the same after 85 3 5 itself past the strike-plate or keeper in closthe doorhas been opened and illustrating the ing the door will destroy the combination and breaking of the combination, the thumbin that way always insure the positive lockpiece being'directly connected to the sliding ing of the door. frame to withdraw the same. Fig. L is an The lock embodying the invention comenlarged sectional View through the post with 9o 4o prisesarotating disk operated by the dial and the disks and dials mounted on the same on a lug to be moved substantially tangentially the line et 4, Fig. 2. Fig. 5 shows perspective or sidewise of the disk by the user in with-A Views of the parts forming the combination drawing the latch-bolt and operating to turn disassembled to illustrate their construction. the disk when passing from engagement there- Fig. 6 is a View of the lock where two sepa- 95 45 with upon the return of the latch-bolt, it berate posts,each carryinga disk,are employed.

ing preferred that it will also turn the disk Fig. 7 illustrates another form of the invenwhen engaging therewith when withdrawing tion where the sliding frame is connected to the bolt to open the door. As so operated the disks by means of a pivoted lever or arm. the release of the handle in closing the door Fig. S shows the invention where the sliding roo 5o will by turning the disk cause it to rotate out frame is connected to the disks by means of of position and so break the combination. a pinion interposed between the frame and disk, and Fig. 9 shows the invention where a laterally-swinging frame is employed.

Like letters indicate like parts in each of the figures.

As above indicated, the main feature of the invention is the employment with the rotating disk of an operating-lug or like device as being withdrawn by the handle as, which moving tangentially or sidewise of this disk and turning the same when passing from engagement with it, and the several figures of the drawings illustrate different forms embodying this general principle.

The preferred specific constructions of the invention are illustrated in Figs. l to 6, and I will first describe the same and the operation thereof and will then describe the other figures to illustrate the working of the lock.

As the lock is specially applicable to postoliice lock-box doors, I will also describe it as it is to be used with the same. The lock-box door illustrated at A in Fig. lis the usual metal door, having a glass face exposing the contents of the box, and requires but little description. On the interior of this door is the lock-case a, the doorA forming the front or face plate of the lock-case and the rotating dial a' being exposed through the front of the loekcase,while the handle a2 extends through the same for setting the combination so that the latch may be opened. The case a is formed in the usual way of metal and has the usual back face and top, bottom, and end walls a3 a4. Rigidly secured within this case is the post b, on which the disks c dof the combination-lock are loosely mounted, it being desirable that they shall turn or swing freely and that their mounting shall be sufficiently delicate that they may rotate easily under the movement imparted to them by the operating -lug of the opening mechanism. Mounted in this case is the latch-bolt e, extending through the front end wall 0.4 and having the shaft e extending through the rear end wall a3, the face c2 of the bolt being beveled, so as to be pressed back by contact with the strike-plate. The bolt e also extends through the sliding frame f and forms the guideway for the same, the sliding frame being formed of a metal plate bent up at each end, forming the bottom wallf, front wallf2, and rear wallfs, the bolt e having the lug e3, which presses against the front wall f2 of the sliding frame, while the spring g is confined between the bolt-head and the rear end wall f3 of the sliding frame, and therefore holds the pin e3 against the front wall, normally holding the bolt extending both through the front wallf2 of the sliding frame and the front wall a of the lock-case and limiting its forward movement. Fitting around the shaft e of the bolt between the rear wallf3 of the sliding frame and the rear wall a3 of the lockcase is the spring g', this spring being weaker than the spring g, so that while it normally holds both the sliding frame and bolt in their forward or locking positions in case the sliding framefis free through the setting of the combination to move backwardly with the bolt e the spring g will remain extended and spring g will be compressed by any pressure brought upon the bolt-head and permit the sliding frame to move backwardly with the bolt.

In Fig. 2 I have illustrated the sliding frame extends through the front face or door A and turns the lever a5, which engages with the rear wall f3 of the sliding frame.

In Figs. l and 3 I have illustrated the sliding frame as being drawn back by a fingerpiece f, directly connected to it and extending up through the door or front face.

Formed on the sliding framefis the lug 7L, which extends out into the course of the disks or tumblers c (l, contacting with the peripheries of such disks and so preventing backward movement of the sliding frame, except when the combination is set. To receive this lug 7L each disk has a gate or setting-slot c formed in its edge, which is preferably made flaring, as illustrated in the drawings, so that as the sliding frame,with its lug h, moves substantially tangentially or sidewise of the disks when the combination is set-that is, when the gates c are in about the position illustrated in dotted lines in Fig. 2-the lug 71, will enter such gates when moving sidewise of the disks and' the sliding frame will be drawn back, turning the disks on their post b with it, until brought to about the position shown in full lines in Fig. 2, so providing for the withdrawal of the latch by means of the handle a or other handle extending out through the door or front face 0f the lock. In this movement as the pin e3 of the latch-bolt contacts with the front wall f2 of the sliding frame it is evident that the latch-bolt will be withdrawn by the movement of the frame, the spring g being compressed, and as soon as the handle holding the sliding frame is released this spring will force the frame forward, when the lug h, contacting with the front edge wall of the gates o', will impart a quick forward movement to the disks, and as they are loosely mounted upon the post b after the lug h passes from the gates c' they will continue to rotate on their post, and the combination will thus be broken.

In case the person opening the door should so hold the handle as to permit only the gradual forward movement of the sliding frame, in which case it may not impart the desired swinging movement to the disksc d, but simply move them back into the dotted position shown in Fig. l, which will leave the combination set in position to be opened, yet when closing the door as the inclined face e2 of the latch-bolt e is pressed back by contact with the strike-plate or keeper of the lock the spring g, being stronger than the spring g', will carry back with it the sliding framef and so carry back the disks into the position shown in full lines, and as the bolt e shoots past its keeper the spring g will give a quick forward move- IIO ment to both bolt 'and sliding frame, which will impart a full swinging movement to the disks, certainly drawing their gates c out of line with the lug h and breaking the combination. If the combination has been broken by the swinging of the disks through the forward movement of the sliding frame when the user releases the handle, when the inclined face of the bolt-head contacts with the strikeplate as the sliding frame is prevented from backward movement by contact of its lug with the disks the spring g will be compressed between the bolt-head and rear wall f3 of the sliding frame, so that the door can lock even though the combination is broken.

In order to mount the two disks c c'upon the post in such way as to permit the free turning thereof, as shown in the sectional view, Fig. 4, the post b has the boss b at its base, around which the lower combination-disk CZ is loosely mounted, and to hold that disk in place an annular recess h3 is formed around the boss above the bearing for the diskcZ and a split ring h2 sprung into this recess Z2', so securing the lower disk in place. The shoulder at the top of the boss ZJ forms a bearing for the upper disk c, which is loosely mounted upon the post above this boss, both disks beingiherefore free to turn under the movement imparted to them by the operating-lug h of the sliding frame.

In order to provide for the quick change of the combination, one or both of the disks c CZ may have a series of perforations formed in a ring near their edges. The drawings show the lower disk (Z as carrying a pin d2, extending up through one ofsuch perforations. This pin maybe made as part of the disk, ifdesired, as shown in Fig. 5. In order to change the combination, I employT the peculiarly-shaped finger-piece k, which rests upon the upper disk c, having a collar k, provided with a central opening and fitting around the post b, and a finger k2 of sufficient length to extend through one of the perforations of the disk and into line with the pin or linger d2, so that when the disk c is turned through the iin ger k2 and pin d2 the lower disk may be turned with it in setting the combination. This linger k2 may be shifted into any one of the perforations of the upper disk. The linger-piece 7c has also the upwardly-extending finger 7a3, which, as shown in the drawings, extends up into line with the rotatable dial-piece a and engages with a perforation formed in the bottom face of such dial-piece, so connecting that dialpiece and the upper disk and providing for the rotating of the same. To provide for the changing of the combination, the dial-piece a has on its inner face a series of perforations 7a4, into which the finger Zai enters, provision beingithus made for changing the combination either by the movement of the dial-piece itself or the changing of the position of either disk. To mount the dial-piece ,c upon the post Z9, the dial-piece has a central bearing 755, closed at one end and fitting over said post, so that it is always held in proper line with the disks.

It is extremely desirable in such lock-boxes that means for the quick changing of the combination shall be provided without the necessity of opening the lock-case itself, while all the parts shall be securely held in place and the disks,with the dial-piece, shall be free to turn. For this purpose I have adopted the following construction: The door or front plate A has a circular opening d5 therein for the dial-piece a, corresponding substantially in size to the dial-piece and through which such dial-piece can be freely withdrawn. On each side of such opening is formed a slot, by means of which the ring-plate Z is secured to the front plate, this ring-plate having an opening slightly smaller than the body of the dial, so that as the knob projects through it ,it can be turned, while the dial is held in place by the ring-plate. Any suitable means for holding this ring-plate in position may be employed, a very simple means being shown in which one end of the ring-plate has a lug Z extending downwardly for about the thickness of the front plate and thence outwardly, so that it will slip into the slot Z2 in the front plate. At the other side of the ring-plate is the lug Z3, extending at right angles to the ring-plate and passing through the slot Z4 in the front plate, such lug Z3 having a hole formed therein into which the hook Z"J enters, so locking the ring-plate in place. The owner of the box can at any time change the combinationby withdrawing the hook Z5, swinging the ring-plate outwardly and drawing the dial-plate out a short distance to free it from the iin ger 7a3, moving it the number of holes desired, pushing it back into place, and closing and securing the ring-plateZ in place. The dial-piece may either be exposed through the ring-plate, or, as shown in Fig. 5, the dialpiece q may itself be covered by the ringplate Q and have a center bearing q2 extending through the ring-plate and carrying a pointer g3, the stationary ring-plate having a dial-face g4 formed thereon. In such case the dial-piece is carried by the ring-plate and lifted off thereby.

It is desirable with locks of this character, especially with locks for post-office boxes, to give control of the box to the postmaster or his assistants, so that it can either be opened from the inside in case of difficulty with the combination or the box can be closed against even the lessee, such as in case of non-payment of box-rent. For the former purpose I provide at the end of the bolt e', where it extends through the lock-case, a handle e5, so that the operator can at any time withdraw the latch-bolt by means of such handle. To enable the postmaster to lock the box against the lessee, I provide a perforation e7, extending through the rear wall co of the lock-case in line with the rear wall f3 of the sliding frame when in closed postion,throu gh IOO IIO

which a suitable pin may be inserted, as shown in Figs. 4 and 6, so precluding movement of the sliding frame and precluding opening of the box even though the combination is set.

The other figures of the drawings illustrate different forms embodying the general invention. For example, in Fig. G two separate disks are employed, the disks m m' being mounted on separate posts at the side of the sliding frame m2, this sliding frame having lugs m3 engaging with gates or setting-slots in the edges ot the disks, the lock being the same as that above described, except that two separate dials, posts, and disks are used, and of course one or more disks may be employed on the same post, if desired.

Fig. 7 illustrates the invention where, instead of the sliding frame itself contacting with and turning the disks by a lug on that frame, a separate swinging arm is employed for that purpose, this figure showing` two disks n n', mounted on separate posts and having the gates ngin the edges thereof, andthe sliding framep being mounted between the disks upon the shaft p of the bolt p2, springs pg p4 being arranged in the manner above described, one between the bolt-head and frame and one between the frame and rear wall of the lock. Mounted on a suitable post 7" at the side of the sliding frame p is the lever or arm fr, which is so located that when the two disks are brought into proper position the ends of the arm forming lugs or fingers will swing into the gates of the disks. The arm r has a longitudinal slot r2 formed in one arm, where it extends in line with the sliding frame, and a lug or pin r3 on the sliding frame plays within this slot, so that when the combination is set and the ends of the arm p pass into the gates of the disks the sliding frame p and its bolt will thereby be withdrawn, and in case the swinging arm is quickly released the springs, operating as above described, willimpart a quick swinging movement to the disks and break the combination, or if it is gradually released the bolt in striking its keeper will give the same stroke, moving the swinging arm rbaek with it into the gates, and when it passes the head of the keeper imparting that necessary quick swinging stroke to the arm and through the same to the disks and so breaking the combination.

In Fig. 8 I have shown the invention where the pinion s is interposed between the disks u and the sliding frame t. The sliding frame is mounted in the same manner as in Fig. l, the bolt t', with its shaft, extending through the frame and front and rear walls ofthe lockcase and having the springs t2 t3 mounted thereon between the bolt-head and frame and frame and rear wall, respectively. On the edge of the sliding frame are formed the rackteeth t4, with which the teeth s' on the pinion s engage, so that the movement of the slidingframe insures a partial rotation of the pinion s. Some of the teeth on the pinion are stripped,

the pinion having the tooth 32 engaging with the gates u of the disks, and also having the teeth s3 s travelin gin contact with the peripheries ot' the disks, and thereby holding the pinion in proper position with relation to rack and disk. In the operation of this form ot the invention, when the disks are brought into properline with the tooth s2,throu gh the movement of the sliding frame 15, that tooth enters the gates of the disks, turning the disks with it in its movement, and on the quick backward movement of the sliding frame a sufficient 'swinging stroke is imparted to the disks to carry the gates u out ot' line with the tooth s2 and break the combination.

In Fig'l 0 I have illustrated the invention where the frame swings .instead of sliding. The same rotating disk or disks may be employed, as shown at fu, and the laterallyswinging frame is in the form of a lever e', which is mounted on a post r2, one arm ebeing adapted to enter a gate in the disk when the combination is set, while the other arm o extends across the shaft yzu of the bolt w, an oblong slot being formed in this arm o" through which the shaft passes, and the shaft having a pin 102 back of this arm. A spring w3 is confined between the laterally-swinging frame e and the bolt-head and a spring w" between the frame and the lock-case. To hold the frame in place, a suitable pin t5 extends up through the bottom of the lock-case. As so constructed the operation is substantially the same. When the combination is set, as the frame u is turned so that as its free end enters the gates of the disk u it draws back the bolt through its contact with the pin 102 on the bolt-shaft, and when it is released the spring 104 imparts the necessary quick movement, which gives a swinging stroke to the disks, so as to break the combination. In casethe combination is not broken, the spring w3 carries the frame back with it when the bolt is pressed back by contact with the strike-plate, and in ease the combination is broken this spring w3 is compressed between the bolt-head and frame.

With any form of the invention illustrated the same general result is obtained, whether operating with lugs carried by the sliding frame or intermediate between it and the disks, or whether the sliding frame is dispensed with, and whether one or more disks be mounted on the same post or two disks mounted on different posts. In any such case the quick sidewise movement of the lug engaging the di sk-gate, either when released by hand or in the closing of the door itself when the bolt swings behind the strike-plate, imparts a quick swinging movement to the disks and throws them out of line with the lug, so that even though the operator neglects after opening the door to break the combination by the turning of the knob the combination is positively broken either by the release ot the handle or the closing of the door, and for these reasons a keyless or combination lock ICO IIO

IZO

is provided which, while simple in construction, gives positive security even in case of the carelessness of the operator.

By the terms substantially,7 tangentially, or sidewise, as used in the speciiication and claims, I include any movement in which the lug or fence enters the gate or setting-slot on a line or course tangential to or sidewise of the edge of the disk in' such manner as to carry the disk around with it and in passing from the disk imparts a swinging movement thereto and so breaks the combination.

What I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In a combination-lock, the combination with a rotating disk having a gate or settingslot in its edge, of a lug moving substantially tangentially of the disk and entering the gate and operating to turn the disk when passing from engagement therewith.

2. In a combination-lock, the combination with a rotating disk, of a lug moving substantially tangentially of and operating to turn the disk when engaging therewith and passing from engagement with the disk.

3. In a combination-lock, the combination with a rotating disk, of a sliding frame operating a lug moving substantially tangentially of and operating to turn the disk.

4. In a combination-lock, the combination with a rotating disk, of a sliding frame carrying a lug moving substantially tangentially of and operating to turn the disk.

5. In a combination-lock, the combination with a rotating disk, of a sliding frame operating a lug moving substantially tangentially of and operating to turn the disk, and a latchbolt sliding in the frame.

6. In a combination-lock, the combination with a lock-case, of a sliding latch-bolt, a rotating disk, a laterally-moving frame adapted to engage with the bolt and the disk, a spring between the bolt and frame and a spring between the frame and lock-casee I '7; In a combination-lock, the combination with a lock-case, of rotating disk, a sliding frame, a latch-bolt sliding in the frame and lock-case, a spring between the bolt and frame anda spring between the frame and lock-case.

8. In a combination-lock, the combination with a lock-case, of a sliding latch-bolt, a rotating disk, a laterally-moving frame adapted to engage with the bolt and the disk, a spring between the bolt and frame and a weaker spring between the frame and lock-case.

9. In a combination-lock, the combination with a lock-case, of a rotating disk, a sliding frame carrying a lug moving substantially tangentially of and operating to turn the disk, a latch-bolt sliding in the frame and lockcase, a spring between the bolt and frameand a weaker spring between the frame and lockcase.

10. In a combination-lock, the combination with a lock-case, of a rotating disk having a gate or setting-slot in the edge thereof, a lug moving substantially tangentially of the disk and adapted to enter the notch and turn the disk in both directions by contacting with the edge walls of said notch.

11. In a combination-lock, the combination with a lock-case, of a post therein, two or more disks mounted on said post and having gates or setting-slots in their edges, a lug moving substantially tangentially of the disks and operating to enter the notches and turn both disks.

12. In a combination-lock, the combination with a lock-case, of a post rigid therewith and having a shouldered boss thereon, one rotating disk mounted around said boss and one upon the post above the shoulder of the boss, said disks havin g gates or setting-slots in their edges and a lug moving substantially tangentially of the disks and operating to enter the notches and turn the disks.

13. In a combination-lock, the combination with a lock-case, of a post havinga shouldered boss at its base provided with an annular depression, a disk mounted on the boss below the depression, and asplit ring secured within the depression, a disk mounted on the post above the boss, said disks having gates or setting-slots in their edges and a lug moving substantially tangentially of and adapted to enter the notches and turn the disks.

14. In a combination-lock, the combination with a lock-case having an opening in its front plate and having a post extending up from its back plate, of a rotatable dial-piece mounted on the post and extending through the opening of the front plate, and a retaining ringplate secured to the front plate and having an opening of smaller diameter than the dial and retaining the dial in place.

15. In a combination-lock, the combination with a lock-case having a central opening in its front plate and having a post extending up from its back plate, ot a'rotatable dial-piece mounted on the post and extending through the opening of the front plate, and a retaining-plate having lugs passing through the front plate and secured on the inner face thereof and having an opening of smaller diameter than the dial and so securing the dial in place.

1G. In a combination-lock, the combination with a lock-case having a central opening in its front plate and having a post extending up from its back plate, of a rotatable dial-piece mounted on the post and extending through the opening of the front plate, and a retaining ring-plate having a bent lug passing through a slot in the front plate, and a straight lug passing through another slot therein and engaged by a hook, said ring-plate holding the dial in place.

17. In a combination-lock, the combination' with a lock-case having a central opening in its front plate and having a post extending up from its back plate, of a rotatable dial-piece IOO IIO

mounted on the post and extending through the opening of the front plate, and a retaining ring-plate secured to the front plate and having au opening of smaller diameter than the dial and retaining the dial in place, said riugplate having a stationary dialface formed thereon, substantially as set forth.

18. In a combination-look, the combination with a look-oase, of a rotatable disk mounted therein, a sliding latch-bolt mounted in the look-oase, a moving frame adapted t0 engage the bolt and disk, springs confined between the frame and bolt and frame and look-ease, and a handle 011 the rear end of the sliding bolt outside of the look-ease, substantially as set forth.

19. In a combination-look, the combination of a look-oase, a rotatable disk mounted therein, a moving frame operating a lug engaging with the disk, a locking-hole in the look-case back of the frame, and a pin passing through said hole, substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I, the said ANGUs MCKENZIE, have hereuntoset my hand.

ANGUS MCKENZIE.

Witnesses:

FRANK R. RIDELL. A. F. WEBER. 

